Asparagus & Ham Frittata is a delicious way to use the last of those Easter dinner leftovers, but it's also worth making just because.
What is a Frittata?
A frittata is basically a flat, as opposed to a folded, omelet. It's extremely easy to make, and elegant enough for company.
The Versatile Frittata
I know that I've said it before when I posted this recipe for Sweet Potato Salmon Frittata, but the frittata is just an all-round versatile dish. You can use any combination of ingredients, and it can be breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. They're delicious either hot or cold, and can be made ahead, and even frozen. I love them for pot lucks and entertaining, too.
Make a Frittata in One Pan, for Easy Cleanup
To make frittatas even better, there's minimal cleanup, because you cook it all in one pan. If you use an ovenproof skillet, such as cast iron, you can go from stovetop to oven. This frittata recipe starts on the stovetop just to soften the asparagus, then it's completely baked in the oven.
A Frittata is Perfect for Using those Leftovers
I love re-purposing leftovers into a brand new meal with a frittata. In this one, leftover ham is perfect, and I still had some asparagus in the fridge. (When it's asparagus season, I usually have some in the fridge). Gruyere cheese ties the whole dish together deliciously.
About Asparagus
Asparagus is one of the first veggies to appear in the spring. Although you can buy it year-round, nothing compares to fresh asparagus in the spring. The closer it is from harvest time, the better it will taste.
Besides being delicious, asparagus is packed with nutrients, low in calories, and high in fibre. Check out the health benefits of asparagus here: 7 Reasons Why You Should Eat More Asparagus
Want More Asparagus?
Asparagus is delicious on its own, cooked tender-crisp, or in appetizers, like these Asparagus Puffs. It's delicious in soups, like this Creamy Asparagus Soup. Try asparagus tossed with pasta: Lemon Pappardelle Asparagus Pasta. And it's wonderful in salads, too. Check out Spring Chicken Salad, or Roasted Asparagus & Halloumi Salad.
Recipe
Asparagus & Ham Frittata
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 lb asparagus spears trimmed and sliced in half
- 1.5 cups cooked ham cubed
- 8 eggs large
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350°
- Over medium heat, heat the oil in an oven-safe skillet. Add the shallots and asparagus and saute until the asparagus is tender-crisp. Add the ham
- Beat the eggs just until the yolks and whites are combined. Stir the cheese, salt, and pepper into the eggs.
- Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, stirring the asparagus and ham to arrange evenly.
- Bake in center of oven 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are pulling away from the pan.
- Garnish with parsley. Serve warm or cold with a green salad.
Notes
Nutrition
Veena Azmanov
Lovely and delicious combination to making this delicious and cheesy dish. My best breakfast option ever.
Colleen
Hi Veena, so glad to hear that you enjoyed it! We love it for any meal of the day, too. 🙂
Sylvie
I love asparagus, and finding new ways to use them always makes me so happy... especially if there is gruyere cheese involved 🙂 this recipe sounds like the perfect brunch dish!
Colleen
Hi Sylvie! Asparagus and gruyere really are so perfect together, and this recipe is absolutely a perfect brunch dish. Enjoy!
Adrianne
I love that you only need to use one pan to cook this frittata! That sounds awesome and also less washing up so it is win, win. I think that the combination of ham and asparagus is perfect and I look forward to giving this a go, thanks for a great recipe!
Colleen
Hi Adrianne, I agree, less washing up is always a win, and I hope that you love this dish, it's delicious, as well as versatile.
Ginny
That does look like one of those meals that would be great as a leftover if you're lucky enough to have any left.
Colleen
Ginny, we almost always cook too much for holiday feasts, just so that we can have leftovers. 🙂
Suzy
I love to make this for brunch!
Colleen
Hi Suzy, I know, it's so perfect for brunch!